Drillers name Francis as new Head Coach

Chris Francis spent this past season as an assistant coach in the NAHL with the Odessa Jackalopes.

The Louisiana Drillers, proud members of the NA3HL, have named Chris Francis as Head Coach for the 2023-24 season. Chris will be coming to Louisiana from the Odessa Jackalopes of the NAHL where he served as Assistant Coach.

Before playing pro hockey, Chris played for the Portland Winter Hawks of the WHL amassing 66 goals and 189 points.  Following his Junior years, Chris played with the Springfield Falcons of the AHL, the Fort Wayne Comets, Las Vegas Wranglers, Alaska Aces, Quad City Mallards, Wheeling Nailers and the Tulsa Oilers of the ECHL over 8 seasons, compiling 120 goals and 299 points.

“We are very happy to have Chris join our organization as the Head Coach and look forward to the dedication he brings to the rink every day," said the Drillers ownership. 

Chris’ experience coaching in the NAHL, combined with his playing resume, will be a perfect fit for what our organization is building in the NA3HL. Chris wants to thank the Ownership staff, Danny Smith, Doug Alspaugh and Jamie Sarver for having the confidence to be the next head coach and he is extremely excited for this opportunity and will do everything he possibly can to make this proud franchise successful.

"My goal is to continue to carry on the traditions of the club while developing these young men into great people on and off the ice and the team and coaches will be in the community interacting with the people of Lafayette and making sure the community knows how much we respect them as I was very fortunate to play for some great teams and coaches during my career and I’m going to take those lessons I have learned and bring them here to Lafayette and can’t wait to get to Lafayette," said Francis.

Chris and his wife of two years, Danielle will be moving to Lafayette soon with their two dogs Chloe and Riggs.